BRIAN ROBERTSON ***FORMER THIN LIZZY/MOTÖRHEAD GUITARIST¹S DEBUT SOLO ALBUM ŒDIAMONDS AND DIRT¹ RELEASED MARCH 28TH ON STEAMHAMMER / SPV*** It¹s not for the first time in the history of rock music that coincidence led to the discovery of hidden treasures: a carrier bag full of music tapes (note: tapes!) turned out to be the basis for ŒDiamonds And Dirt¹, the first ever solo album by Scottish guitarist/composer Brian Robertson, due to be released on 28 March 2011 on Steamhammer/SPV. ³I thrust the bag into my friend Søren¹s hand and said: ŒWhy don¹t you listen to these some time when you¹re bored. They¹re a number of my previously unreleased compositions.¹² Søren Lindberg from Sweden is one of former Thin Lizzy/Motörhead guitarist Brian Robertson¹s closest friends and frequently works as his driver when he has equipment which needs transporting. ³He had plenty of time to listen to that pile of tapes in his lorry on the way back to Scandinavia,² Robertson remembers, ³and he called me as soon as he reached Stockholm: ŒBrian, there¹s some brilliant stuff on those tapes. We should make an album of them!¹² Lindberg enlisted two of his country¹s most renowned instrumentalists in drummer Ian Haugland (Europe) and bassist Nalley Påhlsson (Treat & Therion). Robertson: ³They¹re great, the best rhythm section I¹ve played with since Phil Lynott and Brian Downey.² Superb singer Leif Sundin (ex-Michael Schenker Group) was recruited as additional lead vocalist, and the amazing Liny Wood joined the fold as backing vocalist. ³It wasn¹t easy to get all these extremely sought-after musicians in one place at the same time, which is why the work on ŒDiamonds And Dirt¹ took longer than originally scheduled. But it was important to us to get the best possible line-up, so we preferred to wait until they could all be there.² The result is a superb, thoroughly captivating album, chock full of catchy, blues-tinged gems of mainstream melodic hard rock songs, all highlighted by Brian Robertson¹s distinctive, flowing, guitar solos and arrangements. ŒDiamonds And Dirt¹ contains 5 outstanding Robertson solo compositions, including the hard driving, uplifting title track, the truly intense ŒPassion¹, ŒTexas Wind¹ with its wonderfully atmospheric beginning, and the powerful ŒDevil In My Soul¹ with its awesome wah-pedal guitar solo. The album is rounded off by tracks from Robertson¹s extremely successful collaboration with Phil Lynott during their Thin Lizzy days in the years 1974 to 1978 and his fellow-countryman Frankie Miller, with whom he recorded ŒDancing In The Rain¹ in 1986, among others. ŒDiamonds And Dirt¹ features a new version of ŒIt¹s Only Money¹ (from Thin Lizzy¹s 1974 release ŒNightlife¹), plus two new versions of ŒRunning Back¹ (from 1976¹s ŒJailbreak¹) and a previously never-before-released Robertson/Lynott co-composition ŒBlues Boy¹. ³I think Phil would be proud of what I¹ve done with these Lizzy songs² says Robertson, noting that ³my guitar style is audibly stronger than it was back then². Regarding why ŒRunning Back¹ was recorded in two versions he explains; ³I said to Søren: ŒLet¹s cut it the way I hear that number.¹ So we tried several interpretations, among them a slower version, which we¹ve also included on the album.² The three Frankie Miller numbers, ŒMail Box¹, ŒDo It Till We Drop (Drop It!)¹ and ŒAin¹t Got No Money¹, sound equally accomplished. To keep Miller happy, former Riverdogs frontman, Rob Lamothe, was enlisted to record the latter. ³I played the first version to Frankie, but he didn¹t like my vocals. So we asked Rob to sing the number. Frankie was very pleased with the result.² ŒDiamonds And Dirt¹, superbly co-produced by Robertson, Søren Lindberg and Chris Laney, fascinates from the first to the very last note. We can only hope that we will get an opportunity to see this illustrious line-up live on stage. ³For organizational reasons, I have my doubts that it will be possible to get these musicians together for a full tour, but who knows: we may always turn up for a number of festival gigs this summer. I¹m sure we¹d all enjoy that.² So would the audience Š Track Listing 1. ŒDiamonds And Dirt¹ (Brian Robertson) 2. ŒPassion¹ (Brian Robertson) 3. ŒIt¹s Only Money¹ (Phil Lynott) 4. ŒMail Box¹ (Frankie Miller) 5. ŒRunning Back¹ (Phil Lynott) 6. ŒTexas Wind¹ (Brian Robertson) 7. ŒDevil In My Soul¹ (Brian Robertson) 8. ŒDo It Till We Drop (Drop It!)¹ (Frankie Miller/Jeff Barry/Brian Robertson) 9. ŒBlues Boy¹ (Brian Robertson/Phil Lynott) 10. ŒThat¹s All..!¹ (Brian Robertson) 11. Œ10 Miles To Go On A 9 Mile Road¹ (Jim White) 12. ŒRunning Back¹ (Phil Lynott) ­ slow version 13. ŒAin¹t Got No Money¹ (Frankie Miller) ­ bonus track Line Up Brian Robertson ­ All Guitars, Lead & Backing Vocals, Keyboards Ian Haugland - Drums and Percussion Nalley Påhlsson - Bass Guitar & Backing Vocals Leif Sundin - Lead Vocals Liny Wood - Backing Vocals www.spv.de

KILLING JOKE Absolute Dissent 26.9% DEVO Something For Everybody 13.8% THE JIM JONES REVUE Burning Your House Down 12.2% THE GASLIGHT ANTHEM American Slang 7.2% Now vote for who you think was the greatest new wave band/act ever!

BEANS ON TOAST
WRITING ON THE WALL
(Xtra Mile)
Festival favourite with 30 minutes of folk tinged observation.
3/5
If this wasn’t recorded live then it’s made to sound as if it is and that would be a bit pointless, anyway. I have seen this fella a few times at festivals and he is always great in that environment, with songs about drugs and flipping the bird to the system. I wasn’t sure how it was going to translate for sober entertainment, I feared the worst after the first two, dare I say, morose songs but things kick off after that with Beans’ distinctive voice lending itself well to the folk backing. Standout tracks are about methadone, grunge and country. You can’t go wrong with that.
Simon Nott

BLOODATTACK
ROTTEN LEADERS
(Bastardized)
Who knew cannibals could make music?
3/5
Many bands now have a gimmick, but acting like they’re cannibals is extreme. Welcome to the weird world of Bloodattack, who combine insane brutal metal riffs with a hardcore punk element. If you can get past the silly gimmick the music the band produce is an onslaught of the ears, with a mix of pure noise and intelligent music. If this nine track record was a straight hardcore record I think it would work a lot better, but the rough vocals and metal riffs somehow don’t mix as well. If you are looking to listen to something a bit light-hearted then Bloodattack is ideal for you. Who knows, cannibal metal could be the way forward…
Tim Birkbeck

CALL OFF THE SEARCH
WHAT DOESN’T KILL US
(Engineer)
Anthemic UK pop punks with new EP.
4/5
Hailing from Canterbury, it’s obvious that this young quartet have grown up listening to bands like New Found Glory, Four Year Strong, The Get Up Kids and Fall Out Boy. With bouncing, crunching guitars adding a hardcore-esque flavour to their pop punk melodies on the uplifting ‘Train Yourself To Drive In Colour’ (which you can hear on this issue’s free covermount CD) and the catchy ‘Second Best’ and ‘Angels Today’. There are a lot of bands doing this kind of sound at the moment but few that inject it with an emotional centre as raw and honest as Call Off The Search. This release won’t kill them, it will make them stronger…
Rachel Owen

CONDITION: DEAD
FAMOUS FOR FUCK ALL
No frills hooky street punk featuring knife crime, hoodies and Motorhead-style cannibalism.
4/5
With the sudden emergence of a swarm of –core bands it would be easy to think that straightforward punk has been lost in a sea of fringes and v-neck t-shirts. Condition: DEAD are here to prove that wrong. They’re all about stripped-back punk, and with former S.O.R.B and Refuse/All vocalist Al Symers at the helm, it’s no surprise. ‘Famous For Fuck All’ has political statements on war, crime and David Cameron, breakneck beats and driving distorted bass and good straightforward punk rock. If you’re after some real, old school punk, then this is the record for you.
Rob Barker

DANGER!MAN
THE BLAME GAME
(Boss Tuneage)
Catchy Norwegian punk rock.
4/5
Members of Danger!Man are veterans of the Norwegian punk scene (having played in Life But How To Live It and So Much Hate) and ‘The Blame Game’ sounds great for a debut. Singer St. Faen has an appealing voice that’s as rough as sandpaper, how Nikola Sarcevic would sound if he started drinking gallons of whisky and smoking 40 fags a day. ‘The Blame Game’ is full of 12 rough and ready melodic punk rock songs that they blast through in 25 minutes. The speed and short running time of the album definitely works in their favour and they manage to pack a lot of wallop and catchy choruses in.
Paul Hagen

THE DESTRUCTORS
HELLOWEEN
(Rowdy Farrago)
Peterborough punks get spooky!
4/5
Having reformed in 2005, scuzzy garage punk veterans the Destructors have been occasionally dipping into horror songs for a while but this year they decided to unleash an album of horror punk anthems on Halloween. Although they seem to release an EP every other week, this material seems a cut (or should that be slash to the throat) above, with ten storming new original tracks and covers of the Dead Kennedys (‘Helloween’), the Ramones (‘Pinhead’) and the Misfits (‘All Hell Breaks Loose’) that hold their own. They’re hinting that there may be more horror to come so hide behind your sofas and turn the volume up, the Destructors are a scream.
John Damon

FRANK TURNER
ROCK & ROLL
(Xtra Mile)
Folk punk hero tops off an amazing year with a storming EP.
4/5
Frank Turner has had his best year yet and this five-track EP to accompany his UK tour seems like a fitting way to bring it to a close. Opener ‘I Still Believe’ is already a live favourite with call outs to the likes of Elvis, The Undertones, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash and the power of rock ‘n’ roll, accompanied by backing gang vocals from festival crowds. The other four exclusive tracks, from the folk of ‘Pass It Along’, the intimate ‘Rock & Roll Romance’ and ‘The Next Round’ to the anthemic melodic rocker ‘To Absent Friend’, shine with variety and sheer talent.
Ian Chaddock

GERIATRIC UNIT
AUDIT OF ENEMIES
(Boss Tuneage)
Quality UK hardcore from Heresy/Hard To Swallow/Iron Monkey alumni.
4/5
It’s refreshing to come across a hardcore band that lambasts machismo – as Geriatric Unit do on ‘Conundrum Alpha Male’ – rather than embodying it. Which makes you think that they’re probably really nice blokes; although, after listening to ‘Audit Of Enemies’ you wouldn’t want to cross them. Quite simply, this is 30-odd minutes of fast, focused, furious British hardcore punk, with a suitably raw production job, and not a single chugging breakdown in sight (thank fuck). These guys are no spring chickens, but they’re tight as hell, and as vocalist Gords takes aim at greedy promoters (‘Pay To Play’), middle-aged rage has never sounded so compelling.
Alex Gosman

THE GODFATHERS
SHOT LIVE AT THE 100 CLUB
(Secret)
Reformed rock ‘n’ roll gangsters tear it up live.
5/5
On 17th June this year a reformed and revamped Godfathers celebrated their 25th anniversary by playing the legendary 100 Club and this is a recording of that momentous occasion. It’s admittedly not the classic line-up that recorded their mid-‘80s hits (ex-Sid Presley Experience guitarist Del Bartle and drummer Grant Nicholas on board) but the Coyne brothers’ legacy is in safe hands. There’s the essentials, including ‘Cause I said So’, ‘Love Is Dead’ and ‘Lonely Man’ along with Sid Presley gems (‘Hup, 2, 3, 4’ , Public Enemy No.1) and covers of ‘Brand New Cadillac’ and ‘Cold Turkey’. This also comes with a DVD of the gig as a bonus.
Lee Cotterell

GREENLAND WHALEFISHERS
SONGS FROM THE BUNKER
(Cider City)
Norwegian Celt punks with a bit of a Pogues influence.
3/5
According to the band, the name Greenland Whalefishers has nothing to do with actual whale hunting. It would appear, however, it’s got everything to do with the traditional song of the same name on the first Pogues album. Singer Arvid Grov may hail from Bergen but he sounds scarily like Shane MacGowan at the height of his powers. There are a lot of Pogues influenced bands out there but none sound as much like the originals as these guys and the songs that don’t sound like Shane’s other band the Popes. Fortunately, they’ve got enough decent tunes to elevate them above tribute band status.
Lee Cotterell

HANG THE BASTARD
HELLFIRE REIGN
(Holy Roar)
5/5
With three years of intensive touring, a fantastic demo EP and two top-notch 7”s, Hang The Bastard have already built up a reputation as a band to look out for. This debut album confirms that they’re one of the finest noisemongers the UK has to offer. In just 36 minutes, HTB rampage through an awesome mix of doom, stoner and metallic hardcore that suggests a love of Integrity and Eyehategod. But, it also sees them inject barnstorming numbers like ‘The Blackest Eyes’ and ‘Snake Charmer’ with the kind of energy and raw anger that you can only really get from a band that’s still hungry to prove themselves. With ‘Hellfire Reign’, HTB certainly succeed in that aim.
Nick Mann

THE LUCKY ONES
THE BOOZE SESSIONS
(Stumble)
The Canadian Oi! boys’ homage to homebrew.
4/5
In addition to managing a record label and fronting its flagship band Sick Boys, Canadian punk pisshead Steve Stumble is clearly in dire need of a detox centre, a factor exemplified in his side-project’s recent release ‘The Booze Sessions’. Though reputedly recorded while the singer was a good 10ft under the influence, the ten track testament to ‘getting tanked’ is actually a pretty decent punk record, reminiscent of early Black Flag, Cock Sparrer and The Business. Expect fast chords, beer-brawlin’ lyrics and loutish vocals; everything you need from a good Oi! band bar the Cockney postcode. Call it irresponsible, call it immature – it’s still a good album to tie one down to.
Tom Williams

MAKE DO AND MEND
END MEASURED MILE
(Paper + Plastick)
Connecticut infectious raw punks’ debut full-length.
4/5
After making a name for themselves from EP releases and live shows, Make Do And Mend have proved that they can do it over a full album. From the dynamic opener ‘Unknowingly Strong’ and strong follow-up of ‘Oak Square’ through the emotional yet powerful ‘Stand/Stagger’ and the explosive finale of ‘Night Is The Only Time Of Day’, this is an album that draws on a similar honest lyricism and gruff vocal delivery as greats like Hot Water Music and Samiam, with the added anthemic nature of the Bouncing Souls. Overall, it’s an album that goes the extra mile to prove that they mean every raw-vocalled word.
Rachel Owen

MAMA ROSIN
BLACK ROBERT
(Gutfeeling)
Acoustic voodoo tunes from this celebrated Swiss trio.
4/5
Certainly one for those with an eclectic ear, this soon-to-be breakthrough album from Swiss experimentalists Mama Rosin marks another fantastic step for roots music in the modern era. Fusing folk punk with dirty Cajun blues ripped straight from the bayou’s edge, the fiery three-piece, who were recently spotlighted on the BBC’s ‘Later With Jools Holland’, utilize a variety of traditional instrument, including the melodeon and washboard. Despite their 21st century Genevan local, they’re drenched in ‘20s Louisiana flair. Featuring singing in alternating French and English, this third album is a smoky mishmash of soulful tunes and voodoo rhythms. It’s sure to find favour with fans of forgotten genres.
Tom Williams

MOTORHEAD
THE WORLD IS YOURS
(Motorhead Music/EMI)
Lemmy still rocks harder than most on 20th studio album.
3/5
What more can you say about Lemmy and Motorhead? Celebrating 35 years and back on the road with his biopic soon to be released, the man puts the Rock in rock n roll like no one else can or ever will. And on their 20th studio album its business as usual and Lemmy is in as fine a voice as ever. There’s not a lot here that is different from previous Motorhead albums but just like the Ramones pretty much kept to their trademark sound through their entire career, I guess if it ain’t broke don’t fix it. They have moved away from Ironfist era ‘Head and some things have slowed down and have a more rock ‘n’ roll flavour. Tracks like ‘Devils In My Head’ almost hark back to ‘Another Perfect Day’ era Motorhead. On ‘Rock ‘N’ Roll Music’ Lemmy requests that “Rock ‘n’ roll saves his soul”, but Lemmy’s soul ain’t going nowhere except the next tour bus. Pass the JD and play it loud.
John Damon

MOTORJESUS
WHEELS OF PURGATORY
(Drakkar)
Gasoline, god and Germans.
2/5
If you’re picking a band name it’s important to tick two boxes, first the name should sum up your sound, and secondly, it shouldn’t be terrible. At least Motorjesus got the first part right. Hailing from Germany, the band formerly known as the Shitheadz have now taken on a different guise, writing about cars and God, with the overall effect of coming across like Creed reworking Metallica’s ‘Fuel’, using Disturbed’s David Draiman as a vocal influence. While the music is standard fare, the band’s lyrics drag the whole album down, although some, such as “I know the Lord is an 8 foot killing machine” are almost funny enough to provide some light entertainment.
Rob Barker

NEW MODEL ARMY
30TH ANNIVERSARY BOXSET
(Attack Attack)
Mammoth collection from Bradford punk/rock legends.
4/5
Formed by Justin Sullivan in Bradford way back in 1980, NMA are a British rock institution who should be heralded for their staunch independence, staying power and 13 albums of impassioned punk, rock and folk. With more than 200 songs in their arsenal and time spent in the charts and on EMI records, the last few years have been spent making superb albums like last years; ‘Today Is A Good Day’ and reclaiming their back catalogue. Now celebrating 30 years of politically inspired anthems like ‘Vengence’ and ‘Christian Militia’, this boxset includes 3 DVD’s, concert footage, bootlegs, an 80 page photo book,art prints, puzzle and logo stencils. A fans dream (and they have plenty of them), NMA are a national treasure, and after all they wrote ‘Green and Grey’, one of the finest songs this country has ever produced. Gold dust.
Eugene Big Cheese.

OLD 97S
THE GRAND THEATRE VOLUME 1
(New West)
Contemporary country rock from Dallas, Texas.
3/5
Alongside the likes of Whiskeytown and Uncle Tupelo, this Dallas four-piece blazed the trail for the alternative country movement in the mid 1990s, and, while they may not have made the same inroads this side of the pond as some of their contemporaries, they’ve built a solid reputation for themselves and are currently onto album number eight. For the most part, ‘Grand Theatre’ exhibits a tendency towards lively country-influenced rock; pleasant enough, but that doesn’t tell the whole story. When Old 97s tap into country’s dark vein of inspiration (‘Born To Be In Battle’, ‘Let The Whiskey Take The Rein’) they’re on a whole other level.
Hugh Gulland

P. PAUL FENECH
INTERNATIONAL SUPER BASTARD
(People Like You)
Hellish psychobilly king with another solo offering.
4/5
Meteors founder P. Paul Fenech knows how to pen a low down psychbilly track and ‘International Super Bastard’ is another solo album teeming with them. Fenech’s growled, distinctive vocals make these songs (as they always do), with a larynx-shredding style that’s all his own. From the opening title track to the ‘Dead Man’s Road’ and the closing ‘Fuck Em All (God Save The Kings)’, he’s full of bile and undead charm. A true psychobilly legend, it’s another grave robbin’, foot stompin’, Devil dancin’ ho down. Fuck you Fenech!
John Damon

ROBB BLAKE/LIAM O’KANE
HEAVYWEIGHT ACOUSTIC SHOWDOWN
(Do The Dog)
Acoustic ska double bill.
3/5
Acoustic ska might not seem the most natural of musical genres but Do the Dog have brought together two of the UK’s leading figures in Robb Blake and Jimmy the Squirrel frontman Liam O’Kane for a decent enough split album. Ex-Whitmore singer Blake kicks things off with five songs of smooth reggae and ska grooves in a Chris Murray style. O’Kane’s contribution is five new songs, none of which appear on Jimmy the Squirrel’s recent fine debut album. The splendidly titled ‘Breaking The Habit Of A Lunchtime’ is full of guilty vices, whilst the closing ‘Coming Back for More’ highlights O’Kane’s strength as a songwriter who is not limited within the ska scene.
Andy Peart

SHORES
COUP DE GRACE
(No Idea)
Shoegazer rock from Michigan.
3/5
Featuring the former drummer of gruff punks North Lincoln, this band from Grand Rapids is a world away from his last band, with slow, distorted shoegazer indie rock songs, clean vocals and songs that shuffle past the five minute mark. The likes of opener ‘Meanwhile’ and the shimmering ‘One Palm Sunday’ are slow, emotional and powerful in their subtlety. Channelling the likes of Codeine, Slowdive and Red House Painters, this is a haunting and heartfelt album that is dark and wintry but not depressing. It shows strong musicianship and, while its not particularly to my taste, it’s sure to find favour with fans of the genre.
Rachel Owen

SUICIDAL TENDENCIES
NO MERCY FOOL! / SUICIDAL FAMILY
(Suicidal)
Suicidal rehash some of their old school jams.
3/5
Suicidal Tendencies’ recent visits to Europe have re-established them as a powerhouse and a force to be reckoned with. Mike Muir and long-time cohort Mike Clarke have assembled a top-notch batch of musicians around them but why they’ve chosen to re-record old material is a bit of a mystery. Half of this album is re-workings of their classic ‘Join The Army’ album and they’ve been tampered with a little too much, with drum fills and bass runs overcrowding ‘Suicidal Maniac’. The other half of the album however is great skate thrash, with skull-splitting renditions of Clarke’s old band No Mercy’s material. A new studio album please?
Miles Hackett

TALONS
HOLLOW REALM
(Big Scary Monsters)
Intense instrumental goodness.
4/5
The flow of Talons’ debut album is key to its beauty. Almost symphonic in its structure, the eight tracks were written as one single piece of music. The carefully paced body of work is one coherent journey of instrumental tension continually building to heady, often crunchingly discordant, climaxes and then dissolving into plateaus of peaceful calm. There is a frenetic energy present throughout, fuelled by the dual violin attack, and this band prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that they’re capable of making quite a racket. A compelling and carefully considered racket, that is.
Sarah Maynard

VARIOUS ARTISTS
FAT MUSIC VOL. 7: HARDER, FATTER + LOUDER!
(Fat Wreck)
After eight years slim, it’s time to get Fat again!
4/5
The ‘Fat Music’ compilations helped me discover some punk bands that I loved for years (and still do in some cases) so I’m more than happy to see them return with the first ‘Fat Music’ compilation in eight years. It’s cheap and it’s got 22 tracks from Fat bands, established and new. From firm favourites such as Dillinger Four, The Lawrence Arms and Strung Out through to equally great bands like Teenage Bottlerocket, Dead To Me and None More Black and up to new additions like Old Man Markley and Cobra Skulls, this is a stormer. It’s bursting at the seams with quality punk rock.
Ian Chaddock

THE WESTFIELD MINING DISASTER
BIG IDEAS FROM SMALL PLACES
(Cider City)
Jangly pop with a social conscience.
3/5
The Westfield Mining Disaster are a Bristol based band founded by Paul Towler, who used to be in ‘80s indie band The Haywains. Musically they aren’t a massive leap forward from the Haywains, specialising as they do in jangly guitars reminiscent of bands like The Smiths and The Housemartins. They’ve got more in common with the latter as they share Paul Heaton’s knack for sneaking barbed social commentary into the most innocent sounding of melodies, with swipes at Tories and the BNP (‘Greedy Bastards, Save Our Souls’) and the prolonged effects of cuts, past and present (‘Doctor Beeching’). A rare beast, melodic pop with bite!
Lee Cotterell

WINNEBAGO DEAL
CAREER SUICIDE
(Cargo/We Deliver The Guts)
If ever there was a poorly named album it’s this one.
4/5
If you are going to cram 14 songs into 30 minutes then this is the way to do it. It’s not some sort of half-arsed ‘let’s save some money on studio times’ hash up either. There are 14 fast and furious punk rock powerhouses here, with a real garage rough and ready edge, while still sounding tight and professional. The title track is a smasher and it’s quite possibly the least prophetic album title ever. This is going to boot Winnebago Deal’s already right up there credentials into orbit.
Simon Nott

THE YALLA YALLAS
DIAMOND IN DIRT
(Strummerville)
Leeds punk ‘n’ rollers unleash second album.
3/5
With a name taken from an early Joe Strummer recording, the Mescaleros are definitely one of the most obvious influences on this five-piece, along with the likes of Social Distortion and Rancid. A step up from their first album ‘Act Of Defiance’, ‘Diamond In Dirt’ is a varied effort from these former members of The Dead Pets, 3milehigh and The Gushers, from the acoustic guitars and brass of ‘Death Shoes’ to the aggressive hardcore punk-infused ‘S.B.H.C.’. Rob Galloway’s strained vocals may divide opinion but these rousing folk and old school influenced punk tunes are straight from the heart, in true Strummerville style.
Rachel Owen

With the anniversary of Phil Lynott’s death last month-and our major Thin Lizzy interview in this month’s Vive Le Rock we just wanted to mention Phils punk rock connections. He was always hanging around with punks and rockers in Camden so it was obvious what happened next.

In 1979, under the name "The Greedies" (originally "The Greedy Bastards", but shortened for obvious reasons), he recorded a Christmas single, "A Merry Jingle," featuring other members of Thin Lizzy as well as Steve Jones and Paul Cook of the Sex Pistols. The previous year he had performed alongside Jones and Cook on Johnny Thunders’ solo album "So Alone".

They played one show at Londons Elevtric Ballroom where they played both Lizzy and Sex Pistols songs organized by Frank Murry-former Lizzy tour manager and future Pogues manager. Apparently it was, a one-off, brilliant gig!!

THE LIVING END have announced a very special one off show! Yes, this is the last time you will see the band before they emerge from the studio brandishing their new album in hand. The Living End will be headlining the concert performance at the 2011 Melbourne Formula 1 Grand Prix! The band dropped by Triple M to announce their performance at the race last week, check out the video of that here <http://www.triplem.com.au/brisbane/music/news/blog/living-end-to-rock-aussi e-f1-gp/20110127-b7te.html> . It seems that organisers are quite thrilled, having sent us photos of The Living End's very own F1 cars! It all goes down in Melbourne on Sunday March 27th, so check out all details here: www.grandprix.com.au <http://www.grandprix.com.au > Finally, it's true - in the next week or two The Living End will commence recording for their sixth album. The band are heading into the studio with American producer Nick DiDia. Nick has worked with the likes of Rage Against the Machine, Bruce Springsteen, Pearl Jam and Powderfinger - so watch out! We'll see if we can squirrel away some pieces of information from the studio to keep you updated. THE LIVING END TOUR DATES: Sun Mar 27 - F1 Grand Prix, Melbourne VIC Tickets and more info: Website: www.thelivingend.com <http://www.thelivingend.com> Myspace: www.myspace.com/thelivingend <http://www.myspace.com/thelivingend> Facebook: www.facebook.com/thelivingend <http://www.facebook.com/thelivingend>

PIONEERS OF SOUND, SPACE AND SCIENCE COLLIDE AS SOUTHBANK CENTRE CELEBRATES 10 YEARS OF ITS GROUNDBREAKING FESTIVAL OF INNOVATION ETHER 2011 THURSDAY 24 MARCH – MONDAY 28 APRIL 2011 · World Premiere of Will Gregory’s Piccard in Space · Killing Joke – return of the influential sonic iconoclasts · Kompakt presents KrautPopAmbient night · James Blake performs as part of Oliver Coates’ Harmonic series · Chopped & Screwed - Micachu and the Shapes with London Sinfonietta · trouble tune club nights with Pantha du Prince and Oneohtrix Point Never · UK Premiere of Louis Andriessen’s Anaïs Nin · Major celebration of electronica pioneer Iannis Xenakis · Joan of Arc – Will Gregory and Adrian Utley’s new score to 1928 classic · 2001: A Space Odyssey screenings in the Royal Festival Hall to stunning live score · Special performances of Steve Reich’s Drumming · Return of Rites – Stravinsky’s masterpiece with dancer and 3D visuals · Neuroscientist David Eagleman discusses The Hidden Life of the Brain · Wide range of jam sessions, workshops and talks Over the last decade, Southbank Centre’s Ether festival has forged a reputation for staging cross-genre and cross-artform events that couldn’t happen anywhere else – from Jonny Greenwood and Thom Yorke playing alongside London Sinfonietta in 2005 to Chris Cunningham’s mind-and-eye blowing audiovisual spectacular in 2010, via unforgettable appearances by Lou Reed, David Byrne, Brian Eno, Gil Scott-Heron and definitive celebrations of composers ranging from Thomas Adès (2008) to avant-garde legend Edgard Varèse (2010). In 2011, Ether celebrates its 10th birthday with an inspirational mix of pioneering record labels, mercurial innovators, premieres of new work and exciting live music to film. Gillian Moore, Head of Contemporary Culture at Southbank Centre, said: “Over 10 years Ether has celebrated innovation, encouraged experimentation and joined the dots between post war avant-garde, electronica and dance music. We have done this by bold juxtaposition of different types of music, which share qualities of innovation and complexity and by encouraging collaborations between some of our most dynamic musicians and artists.” Ether Music and Film Festival highlights include Piccard in Space, Will Gregory’s debut opera in collaboration with the BBC Concert Orchestra (31 March/1 April), inspired by August Piccard’s 1931 flight into the stratosphere; the return of the band that inspired a generation, Killing Joke (1 April); KrautPopAmbient (3 April), a night dedicated to groundbreaking German electronica label Kompakt including performances by The Field and founders Wolfgang Voigt and Jörg Burger; Chopped and Screwed (5 April) a digital/analogue mash-up between experimental pop band Micachu and the Shapes and Southbank Centre Resident Orchestra London Sinfonietta; Tim Exile’s interactive live jam with the audience providing sounds (6 April); the return of 2001 – A Space Odyssey (7 & 8 April) – Stanley Kubrick's seminal film – with live accompaniment by the Philharmonia Orchestra and Philharmonia Voices, following a sell-out success in June 2010; a very special performance by James Blake as part of cellist Oliver Coates’ Harmonic series (10 April); two club nights produced in association with trouble tune featuring new material from German electro stars Pantha du Prince and Apparat and New York's Oneohtrix Point Never who will also present the first UK live show for his side project Games. On 28 April Adrian Utley and Will Gregory perform their thrilling new score to Carl Theodor Dreyer’s 1928 masterpiece The Passion of Joan of Arc. Following the huge success of Varèse 360° in 2010, Ether continues to honour avant-garde icons with a celebration of the pioneer of computer generated music Iannis Xenakis, including performances by London Sinfonietta (2 April) and Ensemble Exposé (3 April). On 14 April Ether presents the UK Premiere of Louis Andriessen’s Anaïs Nin and, returning to Southbank Centre is Klaus Obermaier’s 21st century realisation of Stravinsky’s early modernist masterpiece The Rite of Spring including live dance and stunning 3D visuals (23 April). Ether Talks, Workshops and Free Events An extensive free programme during Ether 2011 includes two Friday Tonic sessions (1 and 8 April) hosted by DJ Nick Luscombe featuring performances by Kelpe, Architeq and The Simonsound; Friday Lunch performances including Young Xenarchitects (1 April) and Mirror (8 April). Festival-goers can manipulate sounds at Tim Exile’s Jamshops (2 and 5 April), journey into the human psyche guided by neuroscientist David Eagleman (4 April), and encounter Xenakis’ groundbreaking music composition tool from the 1970s at Discovering UPIC (2/3 April) and the UPIC Workshops (2/3 April). For those who want to go deeper still there is the three-day Xenakis International Symposium (1-3 April), organised by the centre for Contemporary Music Cultures of Goldsmiths, University of London. www.southbankcentre.co.uk/ether <http://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/ether>

Rock ‘n’ roll icons Social Distortion <http://www.socialdistortion.com/> have officially announced the release of their long awaited, highly anticipated new studio album, Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes, which is set for January 17. A follow-up to their acclaimed album Sex, Love and Rock ‘n’ Roll, Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes is the band’s seventh studio album and first release in over six years. Fans are invited to download the first single, “Machine Gun Blues,” via iTunes on November 8. Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes builds on singer Mike Ness’ twin footings, one in the haunted American landscapes of Hank Williams and the other in the raw swagger of Exile-era Rolling Stones. While these twin pillars have always been behind Social Distortion’s anthemic songs, on Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes they come roaring to the fore, in one of the hardest rocking, most soulful, albums of Ness’ career. After years of working with various producers in the studio, Mike Ness took on the duty for the first time with their new album. The band entered a Burbank studio in early 2010 where they recorded for the next several months in between spring and summer tour dates which included Lollapalooza and Outside Lands. In early October the band wrapped up recording before heading out for their fall US tour. “It’s something I’ve always wanted to do,” Ness explains. “I love being on that side of the board. Even though I’ve co-produced all of our records, I always was there for everything. It just came to a point where I was like ‘I think I want to try this, I want to do this ourselves.’ By being at the helm this time allowed so much more focus for me to the fine details of every aspect of it, whether it was performances, or tones, or arrangements, backing vocals….everything.” Self-produced and teamed with legendary punk rock label Epitaph Records, Social Distortion maintain the rebellious credibility that made them a household-name decades ago with the release of their latest album Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes. Social Distortion gets straight to business on Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes with the grooving instrumental intro “Road Zombie,” setting the album’s tone before segueing into what’s possibly one of the band’s finest written songs to date, “California (Hustle and Flow),” which gives nod to the Stones with backing gospel singers, greasy solos and enough attitude to redline a ’40 Merc. “California (Hustle and Flow) was an early idea last year,” says Ness. “It started out as pretty much a roots rocker, ended up morphing into kind of a tribute to the Stones. Also if you listen to the opening line it’s third person, and it’s talking about some kid with an attitude and dyed jet black hair and motorcycle boots and running around like he don’t care. It basically chronicles my career in music. Just how it started out, how rock n roll has been good to me…And I’d like to think I’ve been good to rock ‘n’ roll ya know.” Fans will find familiarity in tracks like “Gimme the Sweet and Lowdown” and “Diamond In The Rough,” which combine the band’s inimitable vintage sound with their contemporary vision. “(“Diamond In The Rough”) that one is pretty autobiographical….so many faults, yet so little time. What are you gonna do?… Better write a song.” Without warning Social Distortion kicks the album into overdrive with their first single, “Machine Gun Blues,” a sneering modern day Bonnie & Clyde outlaw anthem which encompasses the album’s rebellious attitude. The band only takes a few moments on the album to slow things down and like Sex, Love and Rock ‘n’ Roll’s “Footprints on My Ceiling” the band momentarily dial it back for the gentile biker bar dance number “Bakersfield,” which flows gracefully into the modern rocker “Far Side of Nowhere.” Ness pays tribute to his idol Hank Williams with a dark rockin cover of “Alone and Forsaken,” which gives him a chance to slow things down again for what’s sure to be a fan favorite live song “Writing on the Wall.” Closing out the album, Social Distortion cranks it all the way to 11 with “Can’t Take It With You” and “Still Alive.” Bruce Springsteen has “been a fan of Social Distortion for a long long time,” Guitar World has ranked Mike Ness as one of the coolest guitarists of all time and now with the release of Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes, Social Distortion has further cemented themselves as one of the great rock bands of all time. Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes Track Listing: 01. Road Zombie 02. California (Hustle and Flow) 03. Gimme The Sweet And Lowdown 04. Diamond In The Rough 05. Machine Gun Blues 06. Bakersfield 07. Far Side Of Nowhere 08. Alone And Forsaken 09. Writing On The Wall 10. Cant Take it with You 11. Still Alive For More Information: www.socialdistortion.com <http://www.socialdistortion.com> www.myspace.com/socialdistortion <http://www.myspace.com/socialdistortion> www.epitaph.com <http://www.epitaph.com> Iconic rock ‘n' roll band Social Distortion has achieved their highest charting album in Europe in their 32 year career with the release of Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes. The band’s first album in over six years has entered German album charts at #3, surpassing 2004's Sex, Love and Rock ‘n' Roll by 45 positions. Social Distortion continued the victory in their home territory and gained the highest chart entry in band's career - #4 in US Billboard Top 200. Their highest entry before that was 1996's major label release White Light, White Heat, White Trash, which debuted at #27. Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes, has received mass approval from fans and critics around Europe. Mojo stated that " Mike Ness and his men still have those rock'n'roll blues". "Instantly familiar, gorgeously warm in both tone and delivery, and imbued with the very essence of rock ‘n' roll, this record manages the remarkable feat of balancing true integrity with universal appeal," says the UK's Rock Sound. Uncut Magazine exclaims that "Amassing influences from Stones/Skynyrd gospel raunch (Diamond in the Rough), through Clash meets Springsteen broadsides (Writing On the Wall), Ness’ songs tackle his experience with hard unforgiving honesty...", with British rock mag Kerrang! adding "this new album is well worth the wait!" Social Distortion's career-high chart positions are a testament to the band's legacy, longevity and relativity as they continue to rev their engine well into the third decade of their celebrated career.

You are cordially invited to the launch party for the new Gonads¹ album ŒGreater Hits Volume One: Plums¹. This will take place at the 12 Bar in Denmark Street on Saturday February, 26th, from 5.30pm. There will be a play-back of the new sixteen track album! There will be a short reading from Bushell On The Rampage, copies of which will be available. There will be the finest complimentary wine that the Gonads can offer! And there will be a chance to waffle with band members, and various punks, herberts, personalities and musicians who have been close to us over the years. Later that evening, there will be live music from us, Viva Las Vegas and more. We will be on stage at approximately 10pm. The theme for the gig is...Johnny Cash! If you would like to be on the guest-list for the launch party, please email waistrel@the-gonads.co.uk It¹ll be good to see you. Tickets for the gig are a recession-busting £6. Band merch ­ books, albums, t-shirts etc ­ will be available to buy.

The renowned rock guitarist Gary Moore has died in a hotel room while on holiday in Spain.

Moore, 58, originally from Belfast, was a former member of the legendary Irish group Thin Lizzy.

Thin Lizzy manager Adam Parsons told the BBC he was found early on Sunday.

Moore was originally drafted into Thin Lizzy by its late frontman Phil Lynott. He later gained acclaim for his solo work and was a former member of the Irish group Skid Row.

The Northern Ireland guitarist was only 16 when he moved from Belfast to Dublin in 1969, to join Skid Row, which featured Lynott as lead vocalist.

He was later brought into Thin Lizzy by Lynott to replace the departing Eric Bell, another guitarist from Northern Ireland.

Lynott died in 1986 but a new line-up of Thin Lizzy continues to tour.

Bell told the BBC on Sunday he was still "in shock" at Moore’s death in the Costa del Sol.

"I still can’t believe it," he said.

"He was so robust, he wasn’t a rock casualty, he was a healthy guy.

Parisienne Walkways

"He was a superb player and a dedicated musician."

Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy said it been a pleasure to share a stage with Moore.

"Playing with Gary during the Black Rose era was a great experience, he was a great player and a great guy," he said.

"I will miss him."

Niall Stokes, the editor of the Irish music magazine, Hot Press, described Moore as a "genius".

A message on Moore’s official website says: "It is with deep sorrow and regret, that we have to announce that Gary Moore passed away while on holiday in Spain last night.

"Our thoughts are with his children, family and friends at this sad time."

The lead guitarist received critical acclaim for his work on the 1974 Thin Lizzy album, Nightlife, but would never be constrained by the music group format.

A year earlier, he had released his first solo album Grinding Stone and his virtuoso playing was to make him a recognised artist in his own right.

Although returning to Thin Lizzy briefly in the late 1970s, his solo work continued to garner interest and he also enjoyed UK chart success with Lynott, via singles Parisienne Walkways and Out In The Fields.

Throughout his career, Moore was to embrace a range of genres including blues, metal and hard rock.

He performed on stage with a range of major artists and released 20 studio albums.

GRINDERMAN Festivals & Dates Announced for 2011 New Single ­ 14 March - Palaces of Montezuma ³A custard-coloured super-dream of Ali McGraw and Steve McQueenŠ² Following a triumphant set of killer performances down under (including The Big Day Out Festival and their own sold-out shows in Melbourne and Sydney), Grinderman announce eight additional dates for 2011. Grinderman¹s first European appearance this year will be on 26th May at Primavera Festival in Spain, with more shows to be announced soon. Palaces of Montezuma, the new single from Grinderman, will be released on 14 March 2011. The third single to be taken from the album Grinderman 2, Palaces of Montezuma will be available as a download and on 12¹¹ vinyl. Both formats include the original album version, a new single mix from producer Cenzo Townshend, and a remix by Barry Adamson. The single also contains a cover version of Grinderman¹s When My Baby Comes by Faris Badwan¹s new project Cat's Eyes with Luke Tristram. 26 May - Primavera Sound Festival, Barcelona - SPAIN http://www.primaverasound.com/ 18 June - Vicar St, Dublin - IRELAND 20 June - Live at The Marquee, Cork ­ IRELAND 22 June ­ In Music Festival - CROATIA 1 July - SPB BKZ Oktyabrsky, St Petersburg - RUSSIA 2 July - Crocus City Hall, Moscow - RUSSIA 10 July - Exit Festival - SERBIA http://www.etickets.to/buy/?e=5902 24 July - I¹ll Be Your Mirror - Alexandra Palace, London, UK www.atpfestival.com Grinderman are Nick Cave, Warren Ellis, Martyn Casey and Jim Sclavunos.

The Gigs The Wild Swans have been taken on to the books of The Agency Group under the wing of Ed Stringfellow. There are exciting plans for gigs in the UK and overseas for 2011 including some festival slots. More will be revealed soon.

The Janice Long Session The Wild Swans Janice Long session on 15th May last year was a huge success. It was a stripped down acoustic Wild Swans featuring Paul, Richard and Steve supplemented by the excellent Rob Hack on guitar. The band played three songs; Liquid Mercury; Bringing Home the Ashes and new song, My Town. In the week prior Janice played early mixes of Underwater another new song on the album. The session appeared as a bootleg in the Phillipines within 24 hours…

Forthcoming Interviews Paul has been interviewed by Liverpool arts magazine Object of Dreams. The interview will appear in their forthcoming edition.

Reviews Reviews appeared of Man in a Burning Anorak Volumes 1 and 2 in No Ripcord. The review gave the albums an unprecedented score of 9/10. The albums are available as a download from the Wild Swans official site shop and include free artwork.

Paul’s own review of his recent trip to see Roxy Music in Manchester is available to read on the Liverpool Confidential website.

Lars Frederiksen (Rancid/Lars Frederiksen And The Bastards) has announced details about a new side project.

Frederiksen describes The Old Firm Casuals as a new "American Oi!" side project and the three-piece consists of himself, Casey Watson (bass/vocals) and Paul Rivas (drums/vocals).

According to the band’s Facebook page, they are in the studio and will release a 7" shortly on the new label Oi! The Boat in a few months. As yet, there are no songs to stream but we’ll keep you updated.

"The idea for this tour came from my fans," says Cornwell. "The requests for Guilty haven’t stopped since it was first released. Now the fans have heard my interpretation of Rattus Norvegicus, they’re demanding to hear the other Stranglers epics ‘a la Hugh’. I can’t wait to perform them."

Tickets are now on sale from the National Ticket Hotline: 0871 230 1101 or can be booked online from www.thegigcartel.com or www.seetickets.com.

As a special bonus to fans, Hugh will perform Fan Choice Encores which can be voted for at www.hughcornwell.com. The five songs with the most votes will end the evening. 20 VIP Tickets are available for each date and will enable fans the chance to watch and interact with Hugh before and after the sound check, where they will be given an exclusively recorded album entitled Your Covered – limited to 250 copies, personally autographed by Hugh on the night of each concert.